chevron-down Created with Sketch Beta.
July 15, 2024

Statement of ABA President Mary Smith RE: Shooting at a Trump rally

CHICAGO, July 15, 2024 — The American Bar Association condemns the shooting at Saturday’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, that resulted in the death of an attendee and left former President Donald Trump and two others injured. We extend our deepest sympathies to all affected by this devastating event.

Violence has no place in the political process. Despite our differences, we must stand together as Americans, committed to resolving our political debates through civil discourse and free and fair elections. Now more than ever, it is crucial for all Americans, especially our political leaders, to unite in a bipartisan call for unity and civility.

The ABA is committed to safeguarding the electoral process, fostering civil discourse and upholding the rule of law. As law enforcement investigates the shooting, it is imperative that we all defend the democratic principles that bind us. While differences in policy and leadership choices are integral to a healthy democracy, violence or threats of violence are never acceptable.

The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. View our privacy statement online. Follow the latest ABA news at www.americanbar.org/news and on X (formerly Twitter) @ABANews.